The investigation found that a supervisor ordered six police cars to halt the chase of the stolen car 13 minutes after it began on Oct. 7. Five of the police cars, each carrying two officers, ignored the order.

The chase last 17 miles through four cities. It ended when one police car crashed into a sedan driven by Priscilla Woodyard, 67, who wasn't involved in the chase. A passenger, Woodyard's 45-year-old son, Melvin Woodyard, was killed.

The stolen car was not recovered.

The officers now face a departmental chief's hearing.

Attorney John Goldpaugh, who represents the Detroit Police Officers Association, argued that officers typically are only suspended without pay when accused of a felony.

City Attorney Nancy Ninowski said the department considers the incident "egregious behavior."

A lawsuit has been filed against the city on behalf of Priscilla Woodyard. The $25 million lawsuit alleges gross negligence and claims that officers had turned off their flashing lights and sirens before the crash.